Wisdom vs Knowledge

I had a wonderful working vacation. Evenings at the lake, family visiting from across the state, campfires, stories, fishing, sleeping in, baseball on the radio. Life couldn't have been better. Unless, of course I didn't have to commute back and forth to work every day. But, that was even OK because I worked less than 8 hours a day when I usually work 10 to 12. Hot weather and cool water make a great combination don't they?

Some of my time was spent in discussions with a long time friend. He's going through some health issues that although they are not life threatening, they certainly are painfully cramping his abilities. He's gone from doctor to doctor to find some way of reversing or at least slowing the progression of his "old age infirmities", as he call them. He is one of the most knowledgeable people I know. He spends hours and hours a day learning about things I didn't even know existed. We can be talking about any subject and he knows the whys and wherefores concerning every facet of its existence. I admire that. However, he has one glaring problem. He's so very smart and has not one ounce of common sense. He often mistakes his knowledge for wisdom. They are, unfortunately not the same. I have knowledge of those things which concern me. Not much about those things that don't. I think that I have inherited a great deal of common sense, or wisdom though. Let me explain what we talked about and you decide.

He has a muscular/skeletal problem which he defines as a disease often striking older people. For some reason he chooses to not be too specific about it. He says that there is nothing that can be done so he had resigned himself to being without much of his physical abilities. He "was done trying," he said. I explained that I could only guess how difficult it is to be going through so much pain and immobility. However, I was raised and still believe to this day that it never hurts to keep trying. After several conversations he decided to try a new thing that some "Quack" came up with. It was an exercise and didn't cost him a dime. He did the exercise and within a 12 hour period he felt stronger and could move his arm. Other things happened after that.

I feel it's a mistake to think that knowledge brings wisdom. Knowledge told him any further effort was useless. Wisdom told him that he had nothing to lose. He's having a better day because he's just a little bit wiser. Never give up trying............

Great job opening

Excellent pay!
Paid holidays!
A staff of dozens to help you do your job!
Free transportation!
Weeks and weeks of paid vacation!
Huge retirement package!
Unlimited sick pay!
Take time off whenever-Paid!
100% paid health benefits!
Private office!
Too many more benefits to list here!

From where I sit, several of these high paying, cushy jobs will be opening up very soon.

We elected a president, senators and congressmen to take of our countries business and finances. Apparently, they can't do it. They have been aware of the upcoming deadline concerning our budget crisis like, forever. It is their job to work it out. Many of them still took a lot of time off during the last few months of negotiation. I guess they didn't think shutting down the government and destroying our countries credit standing was any big thing. I disagree! I believe the elected leaders have a responsibility to get the job done and get on with the next job of supporting the economic revitalization we need so badly at the moment due to the recession.

I am a citizen in good standing and have the right to vote. I can guarantee that I will not vote for any of our politicians that fail to do their job. I frankly don't care their party affiliation either. That's what I think about what's going on in Washington right now. That's why I think some of those cushy jobs will be open soon. Only hard workers need apply. Good luck!

Busy as a bee and a bit sad too

It's been a busy month for many of us, myself included. Graduations, birthdays, a baptism, two wedding anniversaries and a wedding to boot. At the beginning of the month I began collaboration with a young artist to illustrate a Christmas story I hope to have in print by November. Young artists are exciting to work with, they have so few obstacles. On the other hand, they really, really have a tough time staying focused on the task at hand. It'll get done but I must remain flexible as to the thought of a strict deadline. That simply ain't going to happen.

Two other events that took place were the passing of two friends. One was a man whom I believe was the epitome of a true gentleman. Worked hard, maintained an admirable moral code in business and personal life and still enjoyed life to the fullest. Sailing, campfires with his wife and friends, and traveling filled his time and brought many story worthy adventures. I will miss his spontaneous smile and wholesome hilarity. The other was a woman I've met with occasionally but known mostly through her family. She didn't have an easy life that woman. Without getting into details she raised six kids the best she could while protecting herself and them from extremely difficult life situations. Sometimes homeless, sleeping in parks and working long hours for sometimes less than minimum wage. She had the term, "getting by" down to a science. Making a mother bear seem rather tame really. At the end of her life, ridden with cancer and infection, weak, and wracked with pain her son and daughter in law worked tirelessly day and night to bring her what soothing comfort they could. Sacrificing their own, less than comfortable lives to do what they could. This lady passed away quietly surrounded by her family as peacefully as possible. It's finally time for her to get some rest, never to worry again. Leaving a legacy of love and strength for her children to carry them through in good times as well as bad.

As I've mentioned before here, I have, what I call my book of heroes. These two people have their names placed in my book so I don't forget just how good ordinary people really are so very strong, inspirational and special sometimes. I'll try to write more often. .................Joe..

Live laugh and love........You'll be glad you did.

Wisdom for graduates.

You are in the beginning of your life's journey, I'm approaching the end of mine. You have choices to make, consequences to pay if your choices are wrong and rewards to enjoy if you make the right choices. I've experienced both ends of that spectrum. here are a couple of facts that I've learned:

If you follow your own drummer, chances are you'll walk alone.

If you only seek happiness, chances are you'll find misery instead.

If you make your own rules, chances are you'll wind up in the slammer.

If you don't listen to the wisdom of the aged, chances are you will repeat their mistakes.

Nature always wins!

Everything you do, good or evil, will bring you a consequence, now or later.

Whatever you do stays with you your entire life.

Don't waste time envying someone who gained something through an other's loss.

Sacrifice and hard work are important tools of success.

It's best to remember that no one owes you anything you don't earn.

No one has to understand you, your needs or your problems.

It is far better to work and earn than to sit and get.

Education means nothing without common sense.

It's better to have one friend than a hundred acquaintances.

If you love someone it is permanent, that doesn't mean you can tolerate their behavior.

Trust is earned, not automatic.

It is natural to fear things, it is better to face them anyway.

Whatever it is that you do, do it the best you can.

Don't put your faith in a person. After all, we are only human. Put your faith in ideals instead. Presidents, congressmen, ministers, pastors, doctors, lawyers, wives, and husbands fail sometimes. It's best you understand that.

Be grateful for and take full advantage of the opportunity that comes with each new day.

If you make mistakes, make amends, move on as best you can and do your best not to repeat them. Accept the consequences with humility, respect and integrity. Even if you don't think they are fair.

There is no guarantee that life will be fair. Life is not guaranteed to be fun. Happiness is not guaranteed. You have to work hard for those things. Get used to it!

Cry only because of pain, not for pity.

Life takes effort. Give it your best shot. Good luck!............Joe

Rapture/end of the world/May 21st

The rapture is upon us!

Does that mean that if we aren't scooped up and swept to our heavenly reward today at 6:00pm we are not saved and destined to go to hell? I guess that's a personal opinion and one way or another we're going to find out eventually.

I have thoughts about all this hullabaloo about the rapture happening today. I'm not saying I'm right, I'm simply saying I have a different perspective based on my personal faith and knowledge.

Number one: The good book says that the end will come like a thief in the night, no one will know the time. OK, I believe that.

Number two: The Lord said He will always be with us, do not be afraid.

Number three: From everything I have read it is my understanding that it is God's job to save us. I do not believe that I should be over confident in that department.

Number four: Many of those believers I have spoken to have made some pretty intense preparations for after they are taken up, I wonder why. It's almost like if they make more preparations then the Lord will not want to disappoint them. I really don't think preparations are important right now. It's heaven for heaven's sake!

Number five: Why should I or anyone else worry about such matters in the first place? Whatever happens to us individually is a result of how we conducted our lives. It was all explained to us and we had the opportunity to do the right thing. Regardless of how you believe that's the way it is. I know a guy that has done everything to cater to his own needs. He believed that all of us are responsible for our own needs and it was not his responsibility to help anyone else. He has made preparations for the rapture today. He has gone to his cottage with lots of food , money and other staples to wait. Alone! And by the way, what's he going to do with all that money?

I'm not saying yes or no. I'm just asking. Several years ago hundreds of people got into their camping trailers, AKA "escape pods", went to a mountain top and awaited their turn to be taken into heaven behind Haley's comet as it went by. The professed prophet charged money for their camping spots. There were a whole lot of disappointed people but one prophet with bulging pockets. The good book also says t beware of false prophets. I'm just asking?............Have a wonderful day either way..................Joe

Silly things in life

First of all and very seriously:
Happy Mother's Day to the ladies that gave us their heart and showed us the meaning of love in the most wonderful way it was intended.


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With a little tongue in cheek here a list of some silly things of late:





I found the most powerful guy in the United States the conspiracy theorists were talking about. His name is Bill and he sets down the rules that we live by. So much for that conspiracy theory.





A huge question here too. Our President, in revealing his official birth certificate said something like, it's time to put the silliness behind us for those demanding to see it. Was it not pretty silly to keep that certificate hidden for over two years in the first place?





The response by the government officials in Pakistan concerning the taking down of the terrorist responsible for 9/11. They were doing their best to track him down and we shouldn't have gone in like that. He lived there for years, right under their noses, I guess their best was rather inadequate.





Donald Trump, an outspoken multi-millionaire, funded in part by strategic bankruptcies, totally out of control with his language around anyone and a shock entertainer, running for president. Seems anyone taking him seriously, supporting or voting for him has blinders on.





At a time of ever decreasing employment in manufacturing, exports and take home pay in the United States, absolutely no research is being done on development of less expensive people's cars such as in China, India, Pakistan and some other developing countries. Another thing, what's wrong with manual labor? Why does everyone aspire their children to not do any of it like it was some sort of plague or something. Unless of course it's connected to a sport of some kind.





Children are being exploited, deprived of normal childhoods and incredibly overworked in the name of sports or entertainment. Yet, any child that accomplishes a small task evenly remotely related to work is considered a child laborer and the ones that paid them are monsters.





With all the resources the government has, just why they haven't solved the airport groping/xray exam situation yet escapes me.





When any government funds are reduced it is always the police, firemen and maintenance workers that are pink slipped. Why not the office workers or management staff first?





In our school system the amount of money spent on education is incredible. Why have I never seen a full accounting of where it goes? I am reminded of this overweight person that was so heavy he was stuck to his chair for over two years, people just kept bringing him food and he just got heavier and heavier until the fire department was called to extract him and remove the chair from him. He, of course constantly complained about the whole thing because he thought there was nothing wrong with him.





Some churches bear no resemblance to any type of faith system that I've ever heard of. It almost seems that anyone, anywhere, anytime can jump up and shout about anything and call it a religion. There are no criteria any more. Nothing is sacred!





Allergies are a serious matter. Some can be lethal. However, so very many people are crying wolf and claiming allergies to things from gluten to perfumes to water in an obvious effort to control other people.





If a child is being bullied they are told to run and tell a parent, teacher or other adult. If they retaliate and protect themselves they are ostracized and punished. From a very early age our children are being taught that they cannot protect themselves. Is that the way it is?





The human aspect is being removed from almost anything for the sake of money. Customer service is a prime example. Convenience and consideration are out the window to protect the money for the investors. We probably brought this on ourselves but it's still silly just how poor we do business these days.





Charity is a virtue. I believe in supporting worthy charities and helping those of us who are having difficulty. I do find it interesting just how much money many of those people who are in charge of some of those charities are making. Sometimes huge sums of money are going into someones pocket instead of helping someone in need. I knew a guy that made charity calls to raise money. He made a phone call, someone donated $100 to his charity, he received $45 commission, the company he worked for received $45 for their trouble, the people that ran the charity received $5 for managerial fees and the needy received a whopping $5. Sometimes I wonder if government politicians and employees think of them selves as charity organizations.

So, in my opinion there are a lot of silly things happening every day. We need to keep our eyes and ears open to be aware, stay clear and avoid such things. At least I do.

Power, how far should it go?

Recent happenings in Pakistan waylay ed my search for the most powerful man in America as you can well understand. There is so much more information connected to it too. So much is going on around the world and right under our noses that we are totally unaware of but suspect at the same time. It's good to take some time and gather it all in before secrecy takes over once again.

The most powerful man in the United States, with only one name is working behind the scenes as you read this. Connecting the dots and making alliances in such a way that reminds me of the process by which somebody wins the Survivor game on TV. The difference is, this guy does things for real and we all reap the rewards or consequences of his efforts. I wonder how we allow him to have so much control over our freedom. In my short life I have seen so many changes it makes my head spin sometimes. That's why I'm trying to chase this guy down, to find out his motivation exactly. For example: Why did he work so hard to take away our social security money, how was that a benefit to those of us who pay into it to help secure our old age? Maybe more importantly, why did we let him?